Adams County Sexual Assault Crisis Services

We are dedicated to delivering free, confidential, and ethical services that support and empower victims, survivors, and their non-offending significant others in Adams County. Let us help you navigate the path of assistance and healing together. We have many resources available for survivors of sexual assault in Adams County.

Support Services

We have services available to help you begin to heal:

24-Hour Hotline

Our 24-hour hotline is operational 365 days a year. Our Adams County hotline is often the first step to getting connected to support and services. If you need help or wish to talk to someone, please call 1.888.772.7227.

Counseling:

• Supportive, individual counseling is available for sexual assault survivors and their non-offending partners.
• Appointments are free and confidential.
• Appointment is required – please call 1.888.772.7227 to schedule.

Medical & Legal Advocacy:

• We offer services to support and guide you through the challenges of the medical and legal processes around sexual assault.
• Medical accompaniment to for survivors of assault.
• Victim advocates can help and be with you when working with law enforcement officials, the judicial system and court proceedings.

Sexual Violence Protection Orders:

• Sexual Violence Protection Orders (SVPO) are designed to protect victims of sexual violence from further abuse and/or intimidation by their abuser, regardless of whether or not criminal charges have been filed.
• Protection From Abuse Orders (PFA’s) are designed to protect victims from further violence and/or intimidation by their abuser, regardless of whether or not criminal charges have been filed.
• We work in conjunction with Mid-Penn Legal Services and county agencies.
• We provide needed support during court proceedings and hearings.

Call 1.888.772.7227. for assistance.

Adams County Countywide Information and Referrals

We have many community partners throughout Adams County. If you need additional resources, we can refer you to other organizations that can help support your healing journey.

How to support a friend or loved one

It can be difficult knowing what to do when a friend or loved one discloses a sexual assault. We are here to help. If someone you know is looking for support:

• Believe them
• Do not ask investigative questions
• Suggest a medical examination at their closest emergency medical facility
• Provide information to their local police department
• Connect them to their local sexual assault advocate to provide support and inform them of their rights.

Call together at 1.888.772.7227 for more information on rights, services, in-person accompaniments, and more. We offer in-and-out of county information and referrals.

Our trauma-informed advocates and volunteers, certified by the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), create a safe and compassionate environment for survivors and their non-offending loved ones. Together, we work to foster healing, empowerment, and hope.

Sexual violence is a pervasive issue in our community. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, most female victims of sexual assault experience their first assault before age 25, and nearly half are victimized before age 18. Among men, 43% experience their first victimization before age 18, and 26% at age 10 or younger. These statistics highlight the urgent need for accessible support systems.

Our dedicated staff is available during office hours, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at YWCA Carlisle in Gettysburg at 371 E Water Street. Volunteer counselors are available 24/7 through our hotline:  1.888.772.7227. Services are also available in the Carlisle and Enola offices.

All crisis services are free and confidential. Together, we can build a community where healing is possible, and every voice is heard.